Chicken Rebellion Helps Man Find Way

Book Corner

November 26, 2000|By MELISSA SIMPSON Daily Press

Newport News native William Rouse has written "Plucked Again! The Great Chicken Rebellion" (Writers Club Press, $10.95).

This whimsical tale is about a man, Flanker Fitzroy, who has an unusual experience after being knocked unconscious while working in his chicken house - he finds himself talking to a large rooster named "Most Ancient Chickenspokesperson" or MAC for short. MAC offers to help Flanker regain his memory and run the chicken houses in exchange for a few concessions (like cable TV) for the chickens.

After the first few chapters, talking to the chickens doesn't seem so odd. I became wrapped up in the everyday trials as Flanker tries to keep his chicken business from going under, save his oyster beds from pirates and hold his marriage together. There were times when the corners of my mouth twitched, but underneath the absurdity is a touching story of a man trying to find happiness against some incredible odds.

Rouse, younger brother of the late Parke Rouse Jr., is now retired. He writes in, and for a brief time raised chickens on, the Eastern Shore.

"Plucked Again!" is currently available online through amazon.com, barnesandnoble .com and iuniverse.com.

LITERACY ACHIEVEMENT. Earlier this month the partnership of Peninsula READS, the Tidewater Literacy Council and Barnes & Noble made possible the publication of "New Voices for the New Millennium," a collection of essays and poems from adult education and literacy students from the Hampton Roads area.

"New Voices" is the second book project for adult learners and includes the work of 125 participants from 13 different adult education and literacy programs in Hampton Roads. Some of these adults are working toward their high school diplomas, others are learning English as a second language and some are learning to read and write.

James Young Jr. writes of watching a bluebird outside his window as a child. He remembers his mother assuring him that if he learns his lessons well, someday he will learn to fly. Looking into the eyes of his daughter and sharing the excitement of another bluebird, he realizes his spirit is free - and it is soaring.

James Davis writes about working as a hospital volunteer. While his work may seem minor, he enjoys helping others. That's a worthy endeavor.

Richard Ashley describes going fishing. He enjoyed fishing with his dad when he was a kid, and encourages others to go fishing - especially if you can bring a kid along.

David Swartz expresses himself in a heart-tugging poem about missing his children and wife.

Every contributor to this collection should feel pride and accomplishment in being able to express himself so well.

Proceeds from the book, available at Barnes & Noble bookstores for $5, go back to Peninsula READS and the Tidewater Literacy Council. Copies are also available at the Peninsula READS office, 2021 Cunningham Drive, Suite 100, Hampton. Call 838-5300.

SIGNING. Pat Croce, Philadelphia 76ers owner, will be signing copies of his crowd-pleasing memoir, "I Feel Great and You Will Too!" (Running Press, $24.95) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at Barnes & Noble, 12170 Jefferson Ave. The book, co-written with Philadelphia Inquirer sports columnist Bill Lyons, highlights Croce's childhood and rise to success sprinkled with bits of Croce's own brand of business tips and lessons for life.

CLOSING. Rizzoli bookstore, 423 W. Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg, will close up shop Dec. 31. The parent company has decided not to renew its lease in Merchants Square. Pick up some good deals on books and merchandise before year's end.

BOOK SALE. West Avenue branch of the Newport News Public Library, corner of 30th and West Avenue, is holding a book sale from noon to 5:45 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Saturday.

Hardback books will sell for $1 per inch and paperbacks for 50 cents per inch. On Saturday, many of the items will be available for half price. Special items include Civil War, encyclopedia sets and hardcover boxed sets.